The end of spring heralds a season of renewed vitality, inviting travellers to discover picturesque countryside retreats, charming coastal towns, and luxurious country houses. Join us as we explore some of the finest escapes for the end of spring, each perfect for indulging in relaxation, adventure, and everything in between.
The Lygon Arms | Cotswolds, England
Barely two hours from London, the Lygon Arms stands proudly on the High Street in Broadway, one of England’s most charismatic Cotswold villages.
With roots dating back to the 14th century, The Lygon Arms is steeped in history, not only in its superbly restored architecture, but also in its guestbook that has been signed by Oliver Cromwell, Charles I, King Edward VI, King Edward VIII, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and many more celebrity and political figures.
Fit with 86 guest rooms which beautifully capture the rich 600-year history of the property while providing amenities the luxury modern day traveller expects, including a relaxing spa, gym, wine bar and restaurant.
New for 2025, The Lygon Arms in Broadway, UK, offers a range of immersive skill-building experiences for curious travellers. Guests can try their hand at pottery with Honeybourne Pottery, clay shooting at Ian Coley Sporting, or seasonal wreath-making with local florist Shelley Spencer.
Other unique activities include cheesemaking at a historic Cotswold farm, horse riding through the countryside, and even shepherding with a top sheepdog handler. After a day of new skills and local adventures, unwind at the hotel’s cosy lounges, enjoy delicious meals from chef James Martin, and relax in luxurious guestrooms, including the renowned Charles I suite.
Rates: From £213
Cliveden House | Berkshire, UK
This historic National Trust and Relais & Châteaux country house, is set in 376 acres of Grade-I listed formal gardens and enjoys panoramic views over the River Thames.
Renowned as a venue for entertaining royalty and prime ministers seeking a luxurious and beautiful countryside getaway, this historic National Trust and Relais & Châteaux country house is known for its breathtaking views.
Guests of the estate can expect to delight in the rolling views over the 376 acres of Grade-I listed formal gardens on the property. Admire the Water Garden, Long Garden, Rose Garden, Walled Garden, Round Garden, or the Cliveden Maze from the manor before taking in the beauty of the River Thames running alongside the property.
The estate property is juxtaposed with a modern spa, featuring cutting-edge gym equipment and leaning into the latest wellness trends. With Relais & Châteaux-worthy dining options and seemingly endless grounds to get lost on, Cliveden House offers a tranquil Spring escape complete with luxury touches.
Rates: From £445
The Lakes by YOO (Cotswolds)
Set amongst 850 acres of lakes, meadows and woodlands, The Lakes by YOO offers guests an authentic wilderness oasis with facilities and activities available for all ages.
There is also a Lakes Adventure Camp, where children ages 5-15 can look forward to a variety of interactive and educational workshops.
This includes bushcraft sessions, where they will learn all about the wilderness and survival skills, learning how to make fires and build shelters before roasting marshmallows and enjoying a hot chocolate.
Outdoor thrill seekers will be able to take to the Activities Tower, complete with suspended rope course, the Woodland Tree Top Trail, a towering climbing wall, a heart-thumping leap of faith and a spectacular zip line across a lake. Further nature-led activities include archery, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an escape this spring.
The Lakes Kids Club has also been curated with education and adventure in mind, and includes guided nature walks, where little lakes’ explorers can learn about the rich diversity and habitats thriving on the estate, alongside teddy bear picnics and a petting zoo.
Elsewhere, a collection of three-bedroom lakeside apartments and cabins await, ideal for families and their furry friends, alongside The Lakes Bar & Kitchen just a short stroll away, offering wood-fired pizzas, family-style dishes, and Sunday Roasts.
Rates: Lakes Adventure Camp starts from £75. A three bedroom lakeside apartment starts from £1,050 per night, self-catering.
Penicuik Estate (Midlothian, Scotland)
Penicuik Estate is a pioneering rural retreat set across a Designed Landscape at the foot of the Pentland Hills, just 30 minutes outside of Edinburgh. Since 1654, successive generations of the family have managed this unique space, creating a legacy of landscape, architecture and pioneering rural enterprise.
Now, with a brand new hospitality offering, the estate is home to a collection of beautifully appointed self-catered cottages, ideal for a rural escape.
Each cottage comprises a fully-equipped kitchen and dining space, a sitting room with a wood burner, and ensuite bedroom with a roll-top bath. Outside, a private outdoor terrace awaits, with a Big Green Egg Barbeque and a secluded cedar hot tub where guests can enjoy a hot chocolate or sip a glass of wine under the stars.
For families, the 4-bed Stable Park boasts two en-suite master bedrooms and two double bedrooms with a family bathroom, whilst cosy 1-bed cottages make for a perfect couples getaway. In addition, every cottage is dog-friendly, ideal for guests with furry friends seeking a rural retreat.
The team can also arrange hand delivered food services, including organic breakfast, BBQ hampers, and locally prepared meals, as well as private chef dining for an extra special dining experience.
From exploring the Penicuik Designed Landscape, to making use of the 20km walking and cycling trails, and hiking the Pentland hills, the estate is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape and reconnect with nature.
Rates: 1-bedroom cottage from £220 per night, Stable Park from £500 per night. Self-catering.
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire (Hampshire)
Set amidst 500 acres of serene English countryside, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is a sprawling 18th-century Georgian manor, perfect for a quintessential English getaway.
Guests can look forward to a host of special experiences, from indulgent Sunday Roasts at the hotel’s Wild Carrot restaurant, showcasing locally sourced British ingredients and complete with all the trimmings, to rejuvenating spa treatments from 111 Skin, Ila, and Dr. Barbara Sturm at the hotel’s spa.
In addition, to celebrate Four Seasons Hampshire’s 20th Anniversary, the hotel has introduced an Emerald Afternoon Tea, available to enjoy throughout March. Served in the opulent surroundings of The Drawing Room, Executive Pastry Chef Timea Meszaros has curated a delectable menu of traditional finger sandwiches and scones, alongside emerald-themed pastries and a showstopping Emerald Double Chocolate Fudge Cake.
The hotel’s facilities also make it a haven for families, with a complimentary ‘Kids for All Seasons’ children’s club, a family-friendly indoor pool at Sharkie’s Reef and activities such as horse riding at the equestrian centre, tennis, boat trips and falconry.
Rates: Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire Rates start from £520 per night for a Garden Room.
Conclusion
The UK’s countryside escapes are proof that traditional doesn’t have to mean stuffy. Whether learning new skills, conquering mazes or sipping afternoon tea under chandeliers, these retreats offer the perfect blend of nostalgia, comfort and the kind of small adventures that leave city worries far behind without sacrificing the WiFi signal.
